Coal and Shipping Exchange (Cardiff) Limited

Scope and Content

Constitution and rules 1910-1944; shares 1911-1943; minutes Jul 1910-Apr 1942; annual reports 1916-1942; membership 1916-1943; finance 1912-1951; company secretary 1911-1954; exchange premises Apr 1894-1912; membership of the Exchange choir 1930-1955; miscellaneous items 1911-1954

[Former reference: DCOMC/12]

Administrative / Biographical History

The Coal Exchange was built between 1883 and 1886, designed by James, Seward and Thomas. Cardiff's leading businessmen - owners of shipping firms, coal mines and of allied businesses - met to fix their deals here. By the end of the 19th century, Cardiff had become a commercial centre of importance. It is said that the first recorded million-pound business deal was struck in the Coal Exchange. The Coal and Shipping Exchange (Cardiff) Limited was formed in 1910 to form and operate the Cardiff Exchange.

In 1911, the Coal and Shipping trading hall was reconstructed by Edwin Seward to include tiers of encircling balconies, paired Corinthian columns, wood panelling and carvings. In August 1954 the Coal and Shipping Exchange (Cardiff) Limited went into voluntary liquidation

Secretaries:

1919: Joseph Davies and C P Hailey

1920: Andrew Phillip Barnett and D Willson Lloyd